The Bottom Ship, Porlock Weir, Minehead, Somerset
The Bottom Ship at Porlock Weir gets busy in the summer because there's a lot of folk who understandably, want to come and see this gorgeous little corner of the UK. Who can blame them? It's SO pretty at Porlock Weir, to the point of being idyllic; in many ways it's a hark back to more simple times, when the pace of life was so much slower. The hamlet dates back to the 15th century, the quiet harbour overlooking the Bristol Channel was a popular fishing spot, the pub is whitewashed walls, a thick thatched roof and tall chimneys - you get the picture. It's one of Exmoor's little gems so go and see, and book a table at the Bottom Ship, or sit outside with a pint of Exmoor ale and watch the comings and goings.
In the winter when the log fire is roaring you'll find walkers warming their cockles by the fire after a hike across the moors, or on the South West Coast Path which more or less runs past the door. In the summer there'll be a merry throng sat outside, families, dogs - that's the beauty of it, everyone is welcome. Go when the annual beer festival on and it's buzzing.
Food is homemade and it's pub grub and British favourites, with a few world flavours thrown in for good measure; sandwiches and baguettes at lunchtime and on the mains things like Steak and ale pie, Venison steak, Chicken Supreme, Lamb Rogan Josh, Fish and chips, and beefburger. Vegetarians have a good choice too, and there's a menu for the litt'luns.
Open: Mo-Sat 10.00 am-11.00 pm Sun 12.00-10.30 pm
T: 01643 863288 All information correct at the time of writing